Collagen & Gut Health: Why it Helps

Marine collagen has earned its reputation for visibly enhancing skin, hair and nails. But there’s more to this powerhouse protein than its beauty benefits. Behind the scenes, it plays a vital role in internal health - particularly when it comes to your gut. Derived from sustainably sourced fish skin, Vida Glow’s marine collagen is rich in Type I collagen. Type I collagen is specifically known for its targeted ability to retain and promote skin elasticity and volume¹, giving it its skin-enhancing reputation. But when taken as part of your routine, this absorbable and effective protein works for overall health, sustaining and supporting beauty from the inside out. In this article we explore the benefits of marine collagen for gut health – from nutrient absorption to microbiome support and inflammation reduction. See why digestive health is so essential to your overall goals and how to implement this powerful protein for ideal results.

Marine collagen explained

Before diving into collagen and gut health, it’s worth understanding more about what is marine collagen and where it is sourced from. Collagen supplements are derived from animal products – typically bovine or marine collagen – and there are a few key differences between the two. Marine collagen has a smaller particle size than bovine collagen, meaning it can potentially deliver faster results². It’s also a premium source of Type I collagen, which is prized for its effectiveness for skin, hair and nails. Additionally, marine collagen utilises fish skin that would otherwise go to waste. Bovine collagen in comparison is derived from cattle farms, which makes marine collagen the more sustainable choice. Vida Glow opts for marine collagen in our collagen supplementation via responsibly sourced farmed fish. 

From beauty to belly – expanding the benefits of collagen

Collagen supplements have become incredibly popular thanks to marine collagen’s anti-ageing ability, but that’s not the only reason they deserve a spot in your wellness routine. Alongside increased skin elasticity and healthier hair, collagen peptides also promote gut health. This plays an important part in your overall health as well as your beauty goals. Remember – beauty starts from within, and your digestive wellness influences a lot more than you may think. Let’s break down the benefits of collagen for gut health below. 

For targeted support, our new Liquid Collagen – Skin + Gut combines hydrolysed marine collagen with clinically studied ingredients to support digestive function and skin health in one formula.

How marine collagen helps maintain a healthy gut lining

Your gut lining does more than digest food — it acts as a protective barrier, keeping harmful substances out while allowing nutrients in. Marine collagen can help reinforce this barrier³. The lining of our digestive tract contains amino acids (particularly glycine and glutamine), which marine collagen is rich in. By supplementing your collagen levels you can help to reduce inflammation and prevent issues like leaky gut. Unlike standard collagen powders, Liquid Collagen – Skin + Gut features prebiotics and natural anti-inflammatories like turmeric, designed to soothe the digestive tract and enhance gut microbiota balance.

Key amino acids that support digestion

Collagen contains amino acids – which helps us break down food, repair the body’s muscles and stay energised. In terms of gut health, amino acids such as glycine, proline and glutamine help to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation in the digestive system⁴. Our natural production of collagen slows as we age, so we need to consume amino acids via collagen supplements like Pro Collagen+ in order to keep our intake up. 

Aiding digestion and nutrient absorption

We all know how integral diets are to skin health and general wellbeing, and using collagen for gut health can help your body get the most out of the nutrients it absorbs. This is because collagen (particularly marine collagen) works to strengthen gut tissue and enzyme interaction⁵, promoting a better digestive uptake.

Marine collagen’s impact on gut inflammation

When gut health and particularly gut inflammation is impacted, digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can follow. Fortunately, a consistent use of supplementary collagen like marine collagen may reduce inflammation⁶ by improving the protein structure in the gut and reducing oxidative and pro-inflammatory stress.

Potential support for the gut microbiome

The link between the gut microbiome and our mental and physical wellbeing has been well-documented. Now, emerging research like this study from 2020 suggests collagen peptides are good for the gut health microbiome – enhancing a balanced digestive system. 

Other marine collagen benefits

The potential of this superpower collagen is wide ranging. Alongside internal gut health, marine collagen benefits our visible health too – from strong nails to enhanced hair thickness and increased strand growth⁷. In terms of skin health and appearance, the potential list of benefits is impressive. Marine collagen works to promote multiple skin functions for an overall more youthful and strengthened complexion – including hydration and radiance⁸, minimised wrinkles through increased elasticity⁹ and healthier skin barrier function for overall skin strength¹⁰.  

How to include marine collagen into your routine

The best way to integrate marine collagen for gut health and more depends on individual needs. The recommended marine collagen dosage for example is measured by age and severity of concerns across skin, nails and hair. Typically, dosages are between 3 and 9 grams a day (or one to three Vida Glow Natural Marine Collagen Sachets). We believe collagen should be easy to integrate into lifestyle and health routines, so our premium marine collagen formulas are available in powders and liquids like Collagen Liquid Advance. 

If you're looking for a collagen supplement that supports gut health and complexion simultaneously, Liquid Collagen – Skin + Gut is formulated with clinically validated doses of collagen, prebiotics and soothing botanicals – making it a simple once-a-day ritual for internal wellness.

Are there any side effects or risks?

Vida Glow’s marine collagen is typically safe for use. As with any product you’re considering, it’s always recommended to consult your health professional before use. For those with fish allergies or existing gut conditions, seek advice from your medical or nutritional professional first. 

In summary

Marine collagen may be celebrated for its beauty benefits – but it’s also a powerful ally for our digestive health. By strengthening the gut lining, reducing inflammation and supporting a balanced microbiome, it promotes more than a youthful appearance — it supports overall wellbeing. Our sustainably sourced marine collagen is the perfect partner for gut health, strengthening the gut lining, reducing inflammation and supporting a balanced microbiome. By promoting your beauty from the inside out, marine collagen supplements can help you meet and maintain your ideal goals. 

 

Sources:
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2. Nerina Denaro, Elvio Grazioso Russi, Vincenzo Adamo, Marco Carlo Merlano; State-of-the-Art and Emerging Treatment Options in the Management of Head and Neck Cancer: News from 2013. Oncology 1 June 2014; 86 (4): 212–229. https://doi.org/10.1159/000357712

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6. Rahabi M, Salon M, Bruno-Bonnet C, Prat M, Jacquemin G, Benmoussa K, Alaeddine M, Parny M, Bernad J, Bertrand B, Auffret Y, Robert-Jolimaître P, Alric L, Authier H, Coste A. Bioactive fish collagen peptides weaken intestinal inflammation by orienting colonic macrophages phenotype through mannose receptor activation. Eur J Nutr. 2022 Jun;61(4):2051-2066. doi: 10.1007/s00394-021-02787-7. Epub 2022 Jan 8. PMID: 34999930; PMCID: PMC9106617., https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9106617/ 

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